California Life

Will you be studying English in California during the winter? Experience the holidays, Southern California style! Whether you are on the state’s white sandy beaches or in the Sierra Nevada mountains, you can have a “white” Christmas in California.

Christmas in California: 5 Holiday Traditions to Experience

See Disneyland at Christmastime

Disneyland is known for decorating its park beautifully for all of the major holidays: pink and red for Valentine’s Day, red, white, and blue for the 4th of July, and fun Halloween decorations during October. But the park really goes all out in December, when Disneyland is transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland. Don’t miss it!

Disneyland is not the only place that decorates itself beautifully for the holidays: San Francisco’s Union Square is also famous for its gorgeous decor. In San Diego, check out Balboa Park, the ornaments and decorations will put you in the festive mood!

Watch a harbor boat parade

Boats decorated with Christmas lights? What a way to celebrate the holidays! The ocean is of course a large part of California culture, so it makes sense that boat owners decorate their boats during December. Check to see if your city is hosting a boat parade and spend the evening watching the floating decorations!

Meet a surfing Santa

When there isn’t snow, Santa must find another way to visit the children: in California, it’s by surfboard! Your friends and family at home will have a laugh when they see you with a sunglass-wearing Santa. A true California-style Christmas!

Go Christmas caroling

Have you learned all of the traditional Christmas songs? It’s a great way to improve your English! After learning them, find some friends and go Christmas caroling. It is a fun way to spend an evening! If you don’t know how to organize Christmas caroling, check out our article on this activity.

Make a “Sand Snowman”

If you can’t go to Big Bear or Lake Tahoe during December, do not worry: you can make a snowman without snow! Make sure to put sunglasses on your finished piece of art, and tag us at #CISLChristmas.

In the English language, we use the word “so” in several different ways. Each way allows us to speak with more emphasis; some uses of the word “so” are more typically “Southern Californian” than others. Learn the most common ways of using the word “so” here!

“SO” + Adverbs and Adjectives (and Things that are “so” San Diego)

“So” means several things in English.

“To such a great extent”

In this meaning, “so” is an adverb that shows the degree (level) of an adjective or adverb.

Why are you so angry? (This person isn’t a little angry: he is very angry.)

I didn’t realize the car was parked so far away. (The person is surprised that the distance is very far.)

Why are you speaking so slowly?

My presentation didn’t go so well.

“Very, very”

In this meaning, “so” is an intensifier. It intensifies (gives more meaning to) the adverb or adjective it is modifying.

In these cases, we can switch the word “so” with the word “very.” The meanings seem the same, but “so” is more intense than the word “very.”

You are so beautiful.

Thank you so much!

That was so thoughtful of you.

“So” + ADJECTIVE/ADVERB + THAT

We often use the construction SO + ADJECTIVE/ADVERB + THAT to show the effect of something.

He was so tired that he fell asleep while eating his ice cream.

I was so upset that I threw my shoe.

She was so tall that none of the pants in the store could fit her.

Slang: “so” for a characteristic

With this meaning, “so” is used to show that something or someone is the perfect example of another thing. For example, if someone’s name is Summer, and she lives in San Diego and goes surfing every morning, she is SO Californian!

My friend Jane is the perfect student. One day after the teacher gave us our assignment, she completed it! That’s SO Jane.

We went surfing, ate a burrito, and then watched the sunset. Today was SO Southern California.

With that shirt and those cowboy boots, you look SO country.

This sushi roll has avocado and cilantro. It’s SO Californian.

Things that are “so” San Diego

Fish tacos

Yes, tacos with fish. Or lobster. Or scallops! With its close proximity to Mexico, it’s no surprise that California food is influenced by typically Mexican spices and flavors. Since San Diego is on the beach, it’s also no surprise that the local food includes a lot of seafood! While in San Diego, be sure to try fish tacos. In most places, you can order the fish grilled or fried. The toppings will vary at each restaurant, but many include avocado or guacamole, salsa, and cabbage.

Seafood + Mexican food? SO San Diego!

ComicCon

The craziest and most exciting week in San Diego is ComicCon week! Every July, celebrities and comic book fans come to the city’s Convention Center for a crazy week of events, shows, and exhibits. It’s the perfect time to walk around Downtown San Diego and see all of the costumes. Be on the lookout for celebrities as well: you never know who you are going to see!

ComicCon? SO San Diego!

Slomo

Go to Mission and Pacific Beaches and most days you will see Slomo: a man on rollerblades who rides up and down the beach boardwalk for hours. Slomo is a staple of the city, and he is now famous throughout the nation: the New York Times made a video about him! Slomo is actually a doctor who retired in order to pursue real happiness. He found it . . . on the beaches of San Diego!

The happiest person alive is a doctor-turned-rollerblader? SO San Diego!

Surfboard museum in a taco shop

A taco shop in Pacific Beach isn’t just a taco shop: it’s also a museum that pays tribute to Southern California’s surf culture! In 1989, Cindy and Sam McLarty opened Taco Surf, a surf shop that displays more than 90 surfboards.

Is there anything more “San Diego” than a surf museum in a taco shop? Nope! SO San Diego.

Moving to the U.S. to study English is exciting, but it can also be a little scary! Follow these suggestions for the 5 things you should do in your first week as an international student at CISL San Diego or San Francisco and you will feel adjusted and comfortable in your new home in less than a week.

5 Things You Should Do in Your First Week as an International Student

#1: Learn the transportation system

Make it easy to see your new city! Learn your transportation options immediately. Here are some suggestions:

Buy a bicycle (if you want to own a bike). Check out Craigslist to buy a used bicycle for a good price. (As always with Craigslist, be sure to meet the person in a public location, like a coffee shop, to make your purchase.)

Download apps for the ride-share services in your area (like the apps Uber and Lyft) so that you can get a ride for a good price.

If you’re in SD, download FRED (The Free Ride). You can get a free ride to anywhere Downtown!

If you are interested in getting your driver’s license, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for information on how to take the test: the process is quite simple in California, but you will need to show proof of address (like an electricity bill). This may take some time for you to set up.

#2: Get your phone card

Get connected to family and friends back home! Pre-paid SIM cards can be purchased from many locations and are very affordable. They can be purchased from a local convenient store (such as 7-11) or at a mobile phone carrier such as T-Mobile or AT&T.

#3: Find your grocery shopping locations

Where will you do all of your shopping? When you are exploring your new neighborhood, try to locate all of the area’s grocery stores. Usually you will be close to a large grocery store (such as Von’s, Ralph’s or Safeway), but there will probably also be small stores close to you that have many of the items you need. In addition, see if your neighborhood has a farmer’s market: usually these are once per week on a scheduled day.

#4: Find out where you will exercise

The quickest way to feel like you are at home is to have a routine: make sure your routine includes staying healthy! Find a gym, yoga studio, or other exercise studio in your area and join it so that you can make friends and stay healthy. Check out our International Student Guide to Exercising in the U.S. for some tips and information on U.S. gyms.

#5: Enjoy some of the local restaurants

The best part about living in a new country is of course the food! Explore your neighborhood and try a few restaurants and cafes that are close to you. See which ones are open late (in case you get a late-night craving for something delicious). Don’t be afraid to talk to the employees: people are very friendly in the U.S.! Chances are, the employees will love to give you some tips for things to do and see in your new neighborhood.

Holidays and festivals

I love dressing up for Halloween. It’s my favorite time to be in the U.S.!

San Diego’s Little Italy hosts the Art Walk every spring.

Periods of time

Periods of time that have official names are capitalized.

Dinosaurs lived during the Mesozoic Era.

I enjoy art from the Middle Ages.

When did World War II officially end?

Visiting Sacramento, California’s Capital

The word “capital” is often confused with the word “capitol.” Do you know the difference? A capital is the government headquarters, but a capitol is the actual building.

The most famous cities in California are probably San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles . . . but the state’s capital, Sacramento, deserves some attention! Have you been to Sacramento? This beautiful city is located between two rivers and is known for its diverse population, tree-lined streets, historic Old Sacramento, incredible restaurants, and sports teams.

In honor of all things related to “capital and capitol” (in language, government, and architecture), we are looking at some of the highlights of Sacramento. Here are a few things you should see and do on a trip to Sacramento, California.

Old Sacramento

What did California look like in the 1800s? A trip to Old Sacramento will give you an excellent idea! This eight-block area has over 100 shops, restaurants, and many museums. Visit the old schoolhouse, take a ghost tour, ride a classic horse carriage, learn about the Gold Rush with the Gold Fever tour, and ride a riverboat before having dinner on the Delta King, a floating hotel and restaurant.

Sacramento Capitol building

Before seeing the government at work, walk the beautiful parks of the Sacramento Capitol. Go inside for a tour and to visit the museum: you will learn about California’s history while seeing beautiful architecture. Afterwards, visit one of the many award-winning restaurants in the area . . . or take the quick walk to Old Sacramento.

Farm-to-fork dining

Sacramento is known for its restaurants, particularly the restaurants that use farm-to-table (also called “farm-to-fork”) dining. In this concept, the chef has close relationships with local farmers and buys the restaurant’s ingredients directly from the farmers. This allows the chef to control the quality of the ingredients.

Sacramento Kings and Sacramento River Cats

While in Sacramento, check out a basketball or baseball game! An evening at a Sacramento Kings game is full of excitement and energy. During the warmer months, enjoy beautiful Raley Field and a River Cats baseball game. Play ball!

English is the official language of the aviation industry; therefore, pilots and other aviation workers are required to have a high level of English. Do you know these aviation English vocabulary words? Learning them will help your career in this industry take off!

Aviation English Vocabulary

Airborne

Definition: In the air; flying.

Altitude

Definition: The vertical distance from the Earth (at sea level) to an aircraft in flight.

Cabin

Definition: The inside of the airplane where passengers sit.

Fuselage

Definition: The body of an airplane: the wings and tail are attached to the fuselage.

Hangar

Definition: A building at the airport where airplanes are kept when not in use.

Knot

Definition: A measure of speed. One knot equals one nautical mile per hour.

Land

Definition: The act of making the airplane contact the ground or water, ending the flight.

Landing gear

Definition: The parts of the airplane which support the airplane on land or water (usually wheels, although landing gear for planes that land on water include skis). Usually the gear is retractable and folds into the airplane during flight.

Pilot

Definition: The person who controls the airplane.

Propeller

Definition: A piece of equipment turned by an engine in order to help the plane fly.

Radar

Definition: A machine that uses radio waves to detect and locate objects. The objects are “seen” on a radar screen.

Runway

Definition: A surface or area on the airport designated for airplanes to take off and land.

Tail

Definition: The back part of the airplane.

Take-off

Definition: The part of the flight when the airplane reaches flying speed and becomes airborne.

Velocity

Definition: Speed.

Visibility

Definition: The distance at which objects can be seen and recognized. Smoke, fog, and storms can hinder visibility.

What to Pack for SD

What is something that everyone associates with travel? Packing! You don’t need a career in aviation to enjoy our list of things to pack before moving to San Diego. Make sure these items are in your suitcase before you begin your CISL adventure.

Bathing suit

Yes, even in the winter, a bathing suit is a good idea. Hotel rooftop pools (and even the beach!) will be accessible during warm winter days. (Don’t believe us? Check out these statistics about the weather in San Diego throughout the year.) These days aren’t an everyday occurrence, but they do happen! Don’t regret not having your bathing suit on a warm January day.

Casual clothes

Californians–especially San Diegans–are very casual. Jeans, t-shirts, sundresses, and comfortable sandals or sneakers are everyday wear for practically everyone.

Comfortable walking shoes

You will want to see the many sites of the city, and most are best seen on foot. Walk down the Embarcadero, explore the Gaslamp District, walk along Pacific Beach or Coronado, shop in La Jolla, or spend the day walking the beautiful outdoor mall in Mission Valley. Your feet will thank you for wearing comfortable shoes!

Exercise clothing

Californians love to exercise! From hiking to organized sports, there is always something to do. Make sure that you are dressed for these activities (and check out our Guide to Exercising in the U.S. for tips on how to stay healthy while studying abroad).

Light jacket

Even in the summer, San Diego is perfectly cool during the evenings. Always go out with a sweater or a light jacket so you can sit outside and enjoy the cool evening weather.

Sunglasses

These are a staple of any Californian’s wardrobe! The year-round sun will always make you want to grab your shades before going out.

Sunscreen

Californians wear sunscreen every day, and you should, too. This is something you can get at most stores throughout the year, so if you don’t pack it, you can buy it as soon as you arrive. Make sunscreen application a part of your daily routine!

Come fly with us in beautiful San Diego! CISL San Diego offers Aviation English classes for students interested in (or currently working in) the exciting field of aviation. The Aviation English course teaches English skills necessary to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) language proficiency requirements. It focuses on improving the client’s ability to communicate effectively and with confidence in all six skill areas specified in the ICAO Rating Scale: pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions. Contact CISL for more information.